Electrified Agricultural Equipment

Long row of wheel-mounted irrigation pivots sit idle on a barren field against a blue sky.

The electrification trend in agricultural equipment has gained momentum in recent years as farmers increasingly embrace electric vehicles and machinery. This shift offers numerous advantages, including reduced carbon emissions, lower operating costs, improved energy efficiency, and quieter operation. Smaller electric equipment, such as irrigation systems and utility vehicles, are becoming increasingly popular. Many farmers are […]

Peak Power

A man in a blue shirt adjusts a thermostat on a wall in a brightly lit living room with a grandfather clock in the background.

What peak demand and beating the peak mean for co-ops and their members By Kim Graber When we turn on a light switch in Colorado, we expect that the lights will come on. We don’t worry about whether we’re also running the dishwasher, or if we already have lights on elsewhere in the house. We […]

Celebrate Earth Day and Take Steps to Conserve

Two adults and two children in a suburban yard; one child swings, another rides a scooter with an adult's help, while another adult watches.

Earth Day is April 22, a time when we celebrate this beautiful planet we are lucky to call home. During this day of appreciation, I encourage you to take action at home by making changes to conserve energy. If we all contribute, even small adjustments and changes to how much energy we use can have […]

Is it Time for an HVAC Upgrade?

A person in a blue sweater adjusts or installs a wall-mounted air conditioning unit indoors.

Heat pump technology has improved a lot over the past 10–20 years and can be up to 20% more efficient than traditional HVAC systems. Today, heat pumps can operate effectively in subzero weather by switching to electric resistance mode. In extreme cold climates, it may be worth investing in a dual-fuel system where propane or […]

Renewable Geothermal Energy Gaining Traction in Colorado

Construction site with long trench containing metal coil structures, surrounded by dirt piles. Machinery and trees visible in the background.

By Sharon Sullivan Colorado Mesa University saves $1.5 million in energy costs per year by using a heat pump geothermal exchange system installed in 2008. The system provides 80% of the university’s heating and cooling.  Geothermal energy is heat-energy from the earth that is tapped via wells drilled into underground shallow groundwater or deep thermal […]

The Basics of Residential Solar

A worker in safety gear installs solar panels on a sloped roof under a clear sky.

By Amy Higgins The sun has powered lives since our predecessors used glass to reflect the sun’s rays and create fire. Over the centuries, the sun’s power potential was further realized, altered and adapted to its present form where solar panels can convert sunlight into electricity. Today, people across the globe are installing residential solar […]

Easy Behavior Changes to Save Energy

A hand adjusts the temperature on a Honeywell Home ProSeries thermostat set to 68 degrees.

By Miranda Boutelle Q: I want to lower my energy use, but I don’t know where to start. How can I find out how much energy I use? How can I save energy? You can change your energy use by changing your behavior. When looking at electric bills, many people focus on the total dollar […]

Hello Hydropower Energy

A rustic wooden cabin stands on a rocky cliff beside a flowing stream, surrounded by lush autumn trees and mountain scenery under a clear sky.

By Kylee Coleman Electricity generated from hydropower tells an interesting story about today’s energy trends that’s deeper than just water flowing over a dam. It’s a story about a renewable resource that once generated nearly a third of the nation’s electricity — a share that has declined dramatically over the decades with the rise of […]

Energy Efficient Recessed Lighting

Stone fireplace with a wooden mantel, decorated with branches in a vase, a red sculpture, and a vintage lantern. Three overhead recessed lights illuminate the scene.

By James Dulley Recessed “can” light fixtures play a role in lighting many people’s homes, but outdated fixtures are oftentimes not energy efficient recessed lighting. Generally, however, there are inexpensive simple things that can be done to make those existing recessed light fixtures more efficient and brighter. The first thing to do is replace any […]

Smart Home Technologies for the New Year

Smart home control panel on a wall displays weather, date, and security icons; modern living room visible in the background.

By Miranda Boutelle Q: Are smart home technologies energy efficient? Will making these technology upgrades save me money? A: You’ve probably heard the term “smart home” a lot in recent years. If you’re curious about what makes a home smart, how it can boost energy efficiency and help you save money, you at the right […]